In a surprising turn of events, the first returns for NBA All-Star voting revealed that Austin Reaves, the Los Angeles Lakers’ guard, has secured a spot in the top 10 for Western Conference backcourt players. LeBron James leads the Western Conference in votes, and Anthony Davis is ranked fourth in the backcourt.

Reaves, whose early-season struggles led to a role off the bench after just eight games, has since found success as the team’s leading bench scorer. He even reclaimed his starting position in the recent game against the Miami Heat. While it remains uncertain whether he will continue as a starter, Reaves’ noteworthy performances have caught the attention of fans.

Breaking into the top 10 in a guard-heavy Western Conference is no small feat, especially for a player not considered a consistent starter. The Lakers’ substantial fan base likely contributed to Reaves’ inclusion in the list, given that fan voting heavily influences the results.

Although Reaves may not be considered a top-10 guard in the West by objective measures, his impact as the Lakers’ third-best player has been acknowledged. LeBron James has expressed his preference for playing alongside Reaves, emphasizing the chemistry between them.

Despite the fan vote accounting for only 50% of the final decision, with players and media contributing 25% each, it seems unlikely that Reaves will secure a spot in the All-Star game. The next fan update is scheduled for Jan. 11, providing fans with additional opportunities to cast their votes.

To maximize the impact of their votes, fans can participate in the designated 3-for-1 days on Jan. 5, 12, and 19. Voting concludes on Jan. 20 at 11:59 p.m. ET, with the announcement of starters on Jan. 25 and reserves on Feb. 1. The 2024 NBA All-Star Game is set to take place on Sunday, Feb. 18, in Indianapolis.